Box Score
DALLAS, Texas – The Heartland Conference's second-placed team looked to build a three-game winning streak on Monday against Dallas Baptist. Texas A&M International accomplished that by hanging four goals on the hosting Patriots, achieving a season-high for goals scored.
The Dustdevils improved to 7-6-1 overall, and 5-1-0 in conference, to keep pace with Heartland leader St. Edward's (9-2-1, 5-0-0 Heartland) – the No. 7-ranked team in the nation.
On Monday, the Dustdevils saw freshman forward Ryan Hodgson produce a brace with his fifth and sixth goals of the season – including the eventual game-winning strike. Joining Hodgson on the score sheet, both Jovany Macias and Arturo Gutierrez scored their second goals in three games.
Macias connected from the penalty spot in the 56th minute after DBU's Cameron Hatch received a yellow card inside his own 18-yard box. Gutierrez finished a wide-ranging cross from Eduardo Serrano in the 82nd minute.
The goals stand as Macias' third of his junior campaign and Gutierrez's second of his senior campaign as team captain.
But it was Hodgson that shined brightest, burying nearly identical goals in the 5th and 53rd minutes off through-ball assists by Tayeb Ahmadi and Macias, respectively. Those helpers each served as the fourth of the year for the pair of wing players, with both tied for the team lead in assists.
Again the Dustdevils dominated their opponents offensively, shooting the ball 21 times – nine on frame – while holding the Patriots to only 12 shots – six on goal.
On the defensive side, both teams heard the center official's whistle in abundance. TAMIU was called for 12 offenses, with three cautionary cards coming out to Macias (78th minute), Camilo Botero (81st) and Angel Robles (88th). DBU heard 19 whistles with cards flying toward Hatch before the penalty kick (56th), Mason Stringer (56th) and Alex Becerra (78th).
The Dustdevils will next face Midwestern State in a non-conference match on Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. and St. Mary's on Oct. 28 at noon to wrap up their six-match road trip. TAMIU closes at home against No. 7 St. Edward's at 5 p.m. on Nov. 2 and McMurry at noon on Nov. 4 at the TAMIU Soccer Complex.
